BUXUS &#39;Clair Curtis&#39;

ABSTRACT

A New and distinct  BUXUS  cultivar. The new cultivar is of benefit to the Ornamental plant industry. This cultivar possessing meritorious characteristics defining its plurality in appearance. This Boxwood shall here forth be known as Clair Curtis. The plant has a definite upright pyramidal form with 1 (one) central leader, with a radiating branch structure. The branches consisting of widely spaced internodes in an alternating pattern. The leafs are noticeably larger, than  BUXUS  Sempervirens Varder Valley or Newport Blue. The coloration on large, newly emerged leafs possess a blue opalesense similar to  BUXUS  “Varder Valley”. The adult foliage maintaining size and possessing a dark green color. Fragrance is not present in this cultivar. These traits have been observed over the past several winters to have survived temperatures of −2 (minus Two) degrees Fahrenheit in an outdoor, exposed siting. This  BUXUS  after enduring these various winters was able to maintain a high rate of asexual propagation without distortion.

The continued preservation and subsequent use of this plant will benefitthe the ornamental plant industry.

This new cultivar possesses naturally occurring qualities thatdistinguish it from related cultivars. The plant is pyramidal in form,with a central leader, with horizontal branching. This feature hasnaturally survived and retained form in all observed snow loads. Theadult foliage color reflects parentage of BUXUS Sempervirens, withjuvenile foliage having a noticeable blue matte opalescent on the topsurface of the leaf. Comparision of adult and juvenile Leaf color andsize are noticeably and measurably larger than the non-patented BuxusSempervirens” Newport Blue”. The grow habit is broader at the base thanBUXUS Dee Runk or Buxus pyramidalis (both plants non-patented) and isdistinctly different in most other characteristics. These aforementionedcharacteristics are distinguishable from the patented variety BUXUSKaterberg. Foliage coloration and quality has been retained, whilewithstanding −2 (minus two degrees) Fahrenheit. Since the 1994 foundingof this plant it has exhibited a natural resistance to pests commonlyassociated with the Species. Growth habits have remained constant. Rateof growth has been reliably 6-8 (six to eight) inches annually.

The combination of unique and meritorious features of this plantindicates it to be used as a specimen or hedge planting. The ornamentalqualities of this newly discovered plant provide visual interest. Thisplant has expressed attractive traits exhibited as a course and ruggedtextural quality. Juvenile leaf growth possessing a blue opalesentspersisting into the hardening off stage of development. The largeevergreen leafs, in opposing sets, on widely spaced internodes arrangedin a mildly alternating pattern of approximately 20 degrees fromadjacent internodes. The strong annual growth rate allows for amultitude of applications. Superior performance in snow load conditionshas been annually recognized. The plant has not been observed to posesany distinguishable fragrance. This new cultivar will be of beneficialuse and possess traits with widespread benefits to the ornamental plantindustry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs show this new plant for the purposeof general and specific observations. Colors in the photographs may bedifferent than the written description.

Photograph 1: Adult shown in spring. Photograph taken in observationciting in Colts Neck, N.J.

Photograph 2: The cut portion of annual growth shown on graph paper withruler on edge of paper. Graph paper of ¼ inch scale. Ruler is of U.S.inch standards.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The subsequent description of the new plant is of a 1994 planting inColts Neck, N.J. The details contained within have been repeatedlyobserved to have expressed these identifiable details. The colorsreferenced are standards set by The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.)colour chart, unless otherwise noted.

-   Type: Broad leafed, pyramidal shaped evergreen shrub for ornamental    landscape use.-   Botanical classification: BUXUS hybrid of unknown parentage. To be    known as ‘Clair Curtis’-   Growth habit: Medium growing, full bodied, course and rugged foliage    and naturally forming pyramidal profile.

It is claimed:
 1. A new distinct Buxus hybrid plant expressing thefollowing features: Naturally manifests as an upright pyramidal formConsistent and habitual uniform color retention in winter Spring growthpossessing opalescent blue qualities Void of fragrance Reproduces trueand readily Substantially as illustrated and described herein.